Top 10 Gangs in Video Games

Undercover work has never been more interesting – or more dangerous. This Hong Kong-based street gang maintains a laundry list of crimes including drug dealing, human trafficking, prostitution, and even contract assassinations. From the perspective of cop-turned-infiltrator Wei Shen, we witness the grim conviction with which the Sun On Yee operates. Yet something else becomes apparent too – the passion and commitment each member has for the organization, a kind of loyalty that money can't buy.

Just as classics never die, the Shadow Warriors never cease to be a threat. These less-than-shadowy ruffians are responsible for kidnapping Marion, the shared love interest of our heroes Billy and Jimmy, and whisking her away to a distant hideout. What's most impressive about the gang is its scope – the Shadow Warriors's territory includes a city slum, an abandoned factory, a forest, and a large Gothic lair. Also, by the time we get to Double Dragon Neon, players find out the gang is literally run by a Demon named Skullmageddon – doesn’t get much more evil than that.

Once upon a time, Dutch's Gang was among the most feared in all of the Western States. Named after its charismatic leader, this band of outlaws robbed and killed without mercy – all the while viewing each other as family. In the present, the gang consists of angered young Natives and is lead by a more world-weary Dutch, who sees civilization's progress as his impending doom. Loss of one's culture, fear of the changing world – even at the gang's most extreme, can you blame them for fighting to the bitter end?

I wonder where they got this name. This biker gang bases itself in the New Yokosuka Harbor District. The Angels typically amuse themselves by harassing passersby for their money, or by engaging in fights with frisky people. They may seem like ordinary thugs, but their appearance disguises a surprising knack for combat – and a mean streak that deters all but the most brave.

Even the gangs in Deus Ex find a philosophy to call their own. The Derelict Row Ballers, so named for inhabiting Detroit's Derelict Row district, maintain a strict anti-augmentation policy. They'll accept people of any race or gender into their ranks, but if they catch a glimpse of even one mechanically-enhanced limb, stay far away. It's this accidental hypocrisy that makes the Ballers interesting, and serves to make excursions into their territory as the heavily-augmented Adam Jensen all the more dangerous.

Mos Eisley isn't the only hive of scum and villainy in the universe. The Black Vulkars make their home on the planet Taris, hiding away in the Lower City. Their main trade being swoop bike racing, you can often find them at the race track – or beating random civilians senseless. However, their greatest achievement may very well be the capture of the famed Jedi warrior Bastila Shan. Before you show up to ruin the party, that is.

Turns out kids can take on the world. In “Jet Set Radio”, the lovable teenage hero Beat forms The GG's, presumed to mean the Graffiti Gang. Throughout the city of Tokyo-to, he and other roller-skating artists mark their territory by spraying over rival gangs' tags with their own, while also dodging the police. The gang's appeal lies in their focus – though they do antagonize their rivals and the authorities, the GG's are in it for the fun of creativity and it shows in their art.

Laughable or irritating – either way, Vault 101 has a pest problem. Their look inspired by stereotypical greasers of the 1950s, the Snakes slink around the underground haven that is Vault 101 in search of people to annoy. Sometimes it's to shake people down for sweet rolls, sometimes it's to make off-colour remarks. Despite their noxious attitude, though, there's something to be said about their determination to frustrate. And that’s to say nothing of the meme that came from their oh-so-clever catchphrase.

They've got what you need: bundles of fun. Established in the Saints Row district of the city of Stilwater, this small-but-scrappy gang built itself up into a purple-apparelled force to be reckoned with. As leadership shifted towards the simply-named Boss, the Saints in turn shifted from criminal activity to becoming a global brand – though they didn’t lose the criminal activity either. Aside from their amusing merchandise and love of the absurd, the Saints' charm comes from their old-fashioned approach to affairs. Even in power, these puckish rogues still remember their roots.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Mad Gear Gang
“Final Fight” (1989)

Chicago South Club
“Watch Dogs” (2014)

The Volk
“Crackdown” (2007)

The Warriors
“The Warriors” (2005)

While we we’re also fond of the Vercetti Gang and the Lost Brotherhood, it’s Grove Street that’s got you covered, don't you worry. This homegrown Los Santos gang stands as one of the oldest surviving, managing to stand its ground against its rivals for decades. The Families delve into as much gun running, robbery and murder as the rest, but with a catch. Being old-fashioned, the Grove Street Families refuse to operate in hard drugs and seek to maintain an honourable public image – something which ends up driving its members to conflict.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite gang in video games? For more intense Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.